Oakland, Calif. may cut almost 200 cops

Police layoffs would be inevitable if police and fire unions don't give concessions, which city officials are in the midst of negotiating

By Matthai Kuruvila The San Francisco Chronicle

OAKLAND, Calif. Oakland is considering mass layoffs of city workers to close a $42 million deficit, drastic cuts that could include nearly 200 police officers by July 1, city officials said Wednesday.

The possible police layoffs would eliminate investigators and specialized units, such as the gang unit, vice and child exploitation units, problem-solving officers and walking details in downtown, Chinatown, the Dimond district and Fruitvale, according to a police spokesperson.